How to APA Style Reference in Word

When it comes to academic writing, referencing is an essential part of ensuring your work is credible and reliable. APA (American Psychological Association) is one of the most commonly used referencing styles in the social sciences, and it can be a daunting task to get it right. In this article, we will guide you through the process of APA style referencing in Word, step-by-step.

What is APA Style Referencing?

APA style referencing is a system used to cite sources in academic writing. It provides guidelines on how to format in-text citations and reference lists, which are used to give credit to the original authors of any ideas, data or quotes used in your work. This referencing style is widely accepted in the social sciences, including psychology, education, and sociology.

Step-by-Step Guide to APA Style Referencing in Word

Step 1: Set up your document

Before you begin writing your paper, it’s important to set up your document correctly. APA style requires a 1-inch margin on all sides, double spacing, and 12-point Times New Roman font. You can change these settings by going to the ‘Page Layout’ tab in Word and selecting ‘Margins’ and ‘Font’.

Step 2: Insert in-text citations

In-text citations are used to give credit to the authors of any ideas or quotes used in your work. The APA style requires the author's surname and the year of publication to be included in the citation. For example, (Smith, 2019). To insert an in-text citation in Word, go to the ‘References’ tab and select ‘Insert Citation’. You can then select the type of citation you need (e.g. book, journal article) and enter the details.

Step 3: Create your reference list

A reference list is a complete list of all the sources cited in your paper. It should be arranged alphabetically by the author's surname and include details such as the title of the work, the publisher, and the year of publication. To create a reference list in Word, go to the ‘References’ tab and select ‘Bibliography’. You can then select the type of reference list you need (e.g. APA) and Word will automatically format your references for you.

Step 4: Check your formatting

APA style has specific rules on formatting, such as how to format headings, spacing, and margins. To check your formatting is correct, use the ‘Styles’ function in Word. This allows you to apply pre-set formatting styles to your headings, subheadings, and paragraphs. To access the ‘Styles’ function, go to the ‘Home’ tab in Word and select ‘Styles’.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using APA style referencing in Word, there are several common mistakes to avoid, including:

Mistake 1: Incorrect in-text citation format

Make sure you follow the correct format for in-text citations, which includes the author's surname and the year of publication. For example, (Smith, 2019). Don’t forget to include page numbers for direct quotes.

Mistake 2: Incorrect reference list format

APA style has specific rules for formatting your reference list, including alphabetical order and proper capitalization. Make sure you double-check your reference list before submitting your work.

Mistake 3: Incorrect formatting

APA style has specific rules on formatting, such as how to format headings, spacing, and margins. Make sure you use the ‘Styles’ function in Word to ensure your formatting is correct.

Conclusion

APA style referencing can seem daunting at first, but by following these simple steps, you can ensure your work is correctly cited and formatted. Remember to check your in-text citations, reference list, and formatting before submitting your work to ensure it meets the requirements of APA style.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between APA and MLA referencing styles?

APA and MLA are two widely used referencing styles. While APA is commonly used in the social sciences, MLA is more commonly used in the humanities. APA style requires in-text citations to include the author's surname and year of publication, while MLA style requires in-text citations to include the author's surname and page number.

Q2: Can I use online sources for APA style referencing?

Yes, you can use online sources for APA style referencing. Make sure you include the author's name, the year of publication, and the title of the webpage or article in your in-text citation and reference list.

Q3: Do I need to include page numbers in my in-text citations?

If you are quoting directly from a source, you should include page numbers in your in-text citation. If you are paraphrasing or summarizing information from a source, you do not need to include page numbers.

Q4: Do I need to include the publisher in my reference list?

If you are citing a book, you should include the publisher's name in your reference list. If you are citing an article from a journal, you do not need to include the publisher's name.

Q5: Can I use referencing software for APA style referencing?

Yes, referencing software such as EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley can be used for APA style referencing. However, it’s important to double-check your in-text citations and reference list to ensure they are formatted correctly.